During what season do bees typically swarm?

Bees typically swarm during the spring. This is the time of year when they experience the most significant population growth, as the queen begins to lay more eggs as temperatures rise and flowers become abundant. The increased availability of nectar and pollen encourages the hive to expand, creating conditions that can lead to swarming.

Swarming is a natural process where a portion of the colony, including the old queen, leaves to establish a new colony elsewhere. This usually occurs when the conditions within the hive become too crowded due to the rapid increase in population. In spring, the favorable environmental conditions and food availability accelerate this process, making it the prime season for swarming.

In contrast, swarming is much less likely during winter when bees are focused on survival and conserving energy, as they huddle to maintain warmth and do not engage in activities like foraging. Summer may see continued swarming, but typically this decreases as the season progresses. Fall is also a time when bees prepare for winter and do not swarm, focusing instead on resource management and hive health.